Rockin Round the Shop

It's one of the best traditions in the city: Every year on Thanksgiving weekend, more than 100 crafters sell their wares at the Rock N Roll Craft Show, while bands and DJs play and food and drink is imbibed. It's the antithesis to the mall crunch in every way. All right, it is crowded; last year's event was wall-to-wall for most of the weekend. But being able to shop with beer in hand makes that much more tolerable. And besides, these are no made in China gifts you're browsing. The RRCS features the finest in DIY paper goods, clothing, baby clothes, knitwear, stuffed animals and jewelry — there's always a heap of jewelry. This year you can even find a stool made from recycled bicycle parts, courtesy of Saint Louis BicycleWORKS. It's an unusual and dazzling selection of handmade goods that will provide the perfect gift for the hardest of hard-to-shop-for relatives. Once again, the RRCS is held at the spacious Third Degree Glass Factory (5200 Delmar Boulevard; www.rocknrollcraftshow.com). Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday (November 27 to 29). Admission is $15 for Red Carpet Black Friday, and $3 on Saturday and Sunday.
Nov. 27-29, 2009